How are problems resolved between coaches, referees, and athletes?

Problems between different groups in the CWPA are resolved through a process that begins with the Board of Review. This is a five member panel made up of an athletic administrator, two active referees, and two active coaches. This group will review incidents brought before it by the Commissioner and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors, who will discuss the situation and make a final decision.

How do I know who will be officiating my games?

You can determine which referees are assigned to your games by clicking on the Officiating link and then on assignments.

What happens if my team cannot make a tournament?

All teams must sign a Participation Agreement before the season begins in order to be eligible to compete. The contract clearly states that any team joining the conference must attend every tournament, even if it means attending with a partial squad, borrowing players form other teams, and forfeiting all games. Failure to attend will result in a no contest, which requires immediate suspension of the team for the remainder of the season and the following year, in addition to payment of all league fees for the current season. 
 

If a team cannot make a tournament, contact the league office immediately so the schedule can be revised and other teams notified. Teams providing advance notice are more likely to be reinstated in future years.

How is the schedule determined?

The tournament site selection for each division is determined by the membership. 95% of the membership utilizes a rotation that offers every school the opportunity to host a league event. Teams may decline their turn to host, in which case the bid is awarded to the next team in the rotation or to the other team involved in the game.  

The competitive formats used within the league structure have been approved by the membership for both the championships and the regular season tournaments. The number of teams in your division will determine exactly how the competition will be organized. Every team is normally guaranteed four games during a regular season weekend, with an additional two to four during their championship. A few divisions have chosen to compete using just one regular season event, followed by a championship. However, the vast majority of divisions conduct two tournaments during the regular season, ending with their division championship on the third weekend. Varsity teams also play a portion of their games outside of a tournament environment and their schedules are set up accordingly.

Under what circumstances might the schedule change?

Once the schedule is printed, it will only change if one of three circumstances occurs:

1. The facility hours change.

2. A team withdraws, or is suspended.

3. An extraordinary unforeseen circumstance requires a team to request a change. These circumstances do not include preferences about opponents or game times unless a travel hardship exists.

As a coach, am I able to request a specific schedule?

No. Teams may only request that they play at a specific time based on travel constraints and geographic distance from the tournament site. Requests need to be made to the office well in advance of the release of the schedule.

How do I file a protest?

The coach wishing to protest the game must make a written statement within 15 minutes of the close of the game, stipulating the rule that was misapplied. Protests can only pertain to a misapplication of the rules or errors in recording information. They may not refer to judgments made by the officials.

Once signed, the head referee will immediately convene the tournament committee which is comprised of the head referee (chair), the two referees on the game (unless involved in the protest), the two coaches involved in the next game, and the tournament host. One additional non-working official can serve as a replacement for a referee that needs to be disqualified. In addition, the head referee may use his discretion in replacing other members of the tournament committee that are either not available, or disqualified due to the protest. The decision made by the committee is final for the purpose of the tournament.  

How are the All-Conference teams selected?

Representatives from each team rank their own players in order of ability and send their names to the CWPA office by the deadline noted on the Coaches’ Calendar. The CWPA office compiles the rankings by division and releases the information to every team to serve as a guide when voting. Teams then vote for the top 12 field players, two goalies, a Most Valuable Player and a Coach of the Year, using the ballot available on the web site. The office compiles the votes and publishes the results at the conclusion of each season.

Who selects the Player of the Week?

The Director of Communications selects the individual based on nominations submitted by the nominee's school If more than one nomination is received, he may convene a panel when necessary. Nominations should include the player's name, year at school, home town (and high school is known) and relevant statistical information.